The Post-Standard and Syracuse.com will operate under a new business structure starting Jan. 1, Stephen A. Rogers, Editor and Publisher of The Post-Standard, told employees this morning.

The Syracuse Media Group will publish, operate and make all decisions affecting The Post-Standard and Syracuse.com. The company will be focused on providing news, information and advertising in digital format 24 hours every day. The company will publish The Post-Standard on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for delivery to homes and newsstands. The Syracuse Media Group will move from The Post-Standard building to a new location.

Advance Central Services Syracuse will remain located at The Post-Standard building at Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse. This company will provide production, circulation, accounting, human resources, information systems and other functions to support the Syracuse Media Group.

Rogers told employees the new companies are launching to build a sustainable business as readers and advertisers turn to news, information and advertising on their PCs, laptops, tablets and cell phones.

“If we simply maintain the status quo, if we continue to do just what we have been doing -- no matter how well we do it -- The Post-Standard would face extinction in a matter of years,” Rogers told employees in prepared remarks. “The economic model that has supported The Post-Standard and newspapers around the country is no longer sustainable.

“We are living through a digital revolution … This is an irreversible trend. We either adjust, or we perish.”

Rogers will become Chairman of Syracuse Media Group.

He announced that Tim Kennedy, an experienced newspaper publisher and online executive, will be President of the Syracuse Media Group. Kennedy is a longtime executive with the Tribune Company and publisher of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pa. He left The Morning Call in 2010. During 2011 he worked at magazine publisher Rodale where he helped launch the start-up website Rodale.com and the Rodale News Network as its general manager.

Rogers announced that Paul Thomas, The Post-Standard’s circulation director, will be the Vice President and General Manager of Advance Central Services Syracuse.

Here is the text of a news release distributed this morning:

Syracuse, NY – August 28, 2012 – The Syracuse region’s leading website - syracuse.com - and the largest newspaper brand - The Post-Standard - will be part of a new digital news and information company, Syracuse Media Group. Stephen A. Rogers, Editor and Publisher of The Post-Standard, announced today that the planning for the new company is underway and its debut is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2013. The new model seeks to adapt the journalistic excellence of The Post-Standard and syracuse.com to the demands of today’s 24-hour digitally-focused audience.

“We have not been immune to the challenges facing other newspaper companies and we must adapt to the changing media landscape,” said Rogers. “Our goal is to build a sustainable growth company in an increasingly digital world, ensuring that we have the stability and resources to continue providing quality journalism to the Syracuse community that we have proudly served since 1829. It is incredibly important to me that we do this the right way and that’s why I am helping to lead the creation of this new company.”

The new strategy also includes changes to The Post-Standard’s print schedule. Beginning in January, The Post-Standard will publish on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for delivery to homes and newsstands. A smaller version will be available for single copy sales the other four days in Onondaga County. The Syracuse Media Group will review the single copy program carefully and may decide to eliminate it before or by the end of next year.

Leadership change to take place later this year

Rogers also announced that Tim Kennedy will become President of the new company, Syracuse Media Group.

“Tim has the skills needed to lead a 21st century media company. He has extensive digital media experience, deep roots in the newspaper business and proven leadership qualities,” said Rogers. “He will lead an extraordinary group of dedicated people at The Post-Standard and syracuse.com and I look forward to working with him to make this a successful transition.”

“I am honored to lead a great organization,” Kennedy said. “And I believe this new approach is a bold commitment to the future and best positions The Post-Standard and syracuse.com for long-term success and renewed growth. There is no doubt that change must occur sooner rather than later. Our brands will remain strong, we will maintain our commitment to quality journalism and we will invest in the growth of our digital skills and platforms.”

Coincident with the leadership change, it was also announced that Stephen A. Rogers would assume the role of Chairman of Syracuse Media Group. In his new role, Rogers will continue to represent the paper in the community, will serve on the editorial advisory board and act as an advisor to Kennedy. Rogers will continue in his current role as Publisher and Editor of The Post-Standard through the end of the year.

Business model changes in development; key support services to be provided by Advance Central Services Syracuse

Another integral component of the new business model is the formation of a second new company, Advance Central Services Syracuse. It will provide important support functions such as production, distribution, purchasing, accounting and human resources for Syracuse Media Group. The new company will work to optimize these functions and seek new opportunities to generate revenue from services and legacy investments. Paul Thomas, currently Circulation Director of The Post-Standard, will serve as Vice President and General Manager of the company.

The new model is being developed by a group of leaders at The Post-Standard and syracuse.com. Further details and how these changes will affect employees, readers and advertisers will be announced over the coming weeks and months.